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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Two Ogun fathers under probe for trafficking daughters to Libya

From The Punch · (12h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Authorities are investigating two fathers in Ogun State, Nigeria, for allegedly trafficking their 15-year-old daughters to Libya for child labor.
  • One of the daughters, Rokibat Adeyemi, reportedly died in Libya from illness, while efforts are underway to repatriate the other victim, Adeola Akinsanya.
  • The suspects allegedly trafficked the girls in 2024 and attempted to cover up the death until family pressure led to their arrest and transfer to NAPTIP for investigation.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Ogun State is investigating a disturbing case involving two fathers accused of trafficking their own daughters to Libya. The Punch reports that Akinsanya Oladimeji and Kehinde Rasheed are under scrutiny for allegedly sending their 15-year-old daughters, Adeola and Rokibat Adeyemi, into Libya for child labor.

The command is investigating Akinsanya Oladimeji, 55, and 45-year-old Kehinde Rasheed for allegedly trafficking their 15-year-old daughters, Adeola and Rokibat Adeyemi, through the desert to Libya for child labour.

— Bose JimohOgun State Commander of NAPTIP, detailing the ongoing investigation.

This incident highlights the pervasive and insidious nature of human trafficking, particularly preying on vulnerable young girls. The alleged involvement of parents in such heinous acts is particularly shocking and speaks to the desperation or depravity that can drive such crimes. The fact that the girls were allegedly trafficked in 2024 and one has reportedly died underscores the grave risks involved in these journeys.

Rasheed, who is a widower, and Akinsanya allegedly trafficked their daughters to Libya in 2024 and were received in the North African country by Afusat Akinsanya, the wife of one of the suspects and mother of Adeola.

— Bose JimohProviding details on the alleged trafficking operation.

NAPTIP's involvement is crucial in unraveling the full extent of this alleged trafficking ring and ensuring accountability. The agency's statement indicates that efforts are focused not only on investigating the circumstances of Rokibat's death but also on securing the safe return of Adeola, who remains in Libya. The initial report suggests a cover-up attempt, which is unfortunately common in such cases, making the police and NAPTIP's thorough investigation all the more vital.

However, Rasheed, the widower, claimed that sometime in February 2025, Afusat Akinsanya, who had been in Libya since 2018, called to inform him that his daughter, Rokibat, had died on account of illness.

— Bose JimohRelaying the suspect's account of his daughter's death in Libya.

From a Nigerian perspective, stories like these are a grim reminder of the socio-economic challenges that can push individuals towards such desperate measures, and the criminal networks that exploit these vulnerabilities. It is imperative that such criminal activities are swiftly addressed to protect our youth and uphold the dignity of our citizens.

The case was handed over to NAPTIP by the NPF for thorough investigation.

— Bose JimohConfirming the transfer of the case to NAPTIP for further investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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